The Ex Animo Essentials 12 Pack

Chenin Blanc 42%, Roussanne 25%, Viognier 20%, Alvarinho 13%.

A unique blend made up of all the white varieties planted on Joostenberg Estate. Named after former Joostenberg matriarch and gardener extraordinaire, Gillian (née Fairhead) Myburgh.

From vines ranging between 5 and 34 years old. Grapes were hand-picked early in the morning and whole bunch pressed. The wine underwent spontaneous fermentation and maturation in clay amphora(51%), with the rest in seasoned oak barrels(26%) and concrete eggs(23%). The wine was matured on the lees for 10 months.

W.O Stellenbosch from the Karibib farm

The fantastic Karibib farm is in the heart of the Polkadraai Hills and this block is farmed without herbicides and unnecessary pesticides. Wine is made to express that classic Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc character of yellow fruits (Pear and quince) while still having the focus that the Polkadraai granite adds.

Christian Eedes, Winemag:
"Matured for nine months in concrete. Subtle notes of peach, orange and potpourri on the nose while the palate is medium bodied and tightly wound – the acidity well integrated and the finish gently savoury. 92/100."

The first wine named Break A Leg was from Van Loggerenberg Wine's maiden vintage 2016. Lukas ripped his knee apart in an accident just prior to this first solo harvest. He had already borrowed heavily to get the money together for the first vintage of Van Loggerenberg Wines, so his good friend David Sadie (of David & Nadia fame) suggested that Lukas make a rosé-styled wine to help with the hospital bills, and Break A Leg was born.

Christian Eedes: “Subtle aromatics of red cherry, apple, orange and spice. The palate is juicy and fresh – there's a slight impression of sweetness upfront but the finish is gently savoury. Very open and engaging.“

More and more reliant on Mourvedre - Jurgen is very positive on its suitability in Swartland. Kedungu is the Beaujolais of the Swartland :)

Vineyard: Paardeberg/Riebeek/Abbotsdale
Grapes: Mourvedre 46%
Cinsaut 24%
Syrah 18%
Pinotage 12%
Soil: Combination of Shale,Granite and Quartz
Age: Planted between 1988 & 2009
Farming: dry farm bush vines
Exposition: mostly Southeast facing slopes
Vinification: fermented under semi carbonic conditions for 8 days on the stems. Aged in old 228L & 500L French Oak barrels for 10 months.
Alc: 11.5%

60% Shiraz, 15% Grenache, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Grenache

Blended from Bot River, Greyton, Overberg, Walker Bay.

12 months in barrel, 20% new.

The vineyards are situated on Hercules Pillar and Klipdam farms in the south-western part of the Paarl wine region. Locals call the area Muldersvlei. Soils are a combination of decomposed granite and clay shale. Winters are cold and wet, and the summer months are relatively dry and warm. Proximity to the ocean is about 30km and this has a positive, moderating effect on the temperatures in the months leading up to harvest. The vineyards are low yielding, dry-farmed and trained as bush vines.

Grenache Blanc | Marsanne | Roussanne

WO Stellenbosch

100% Pinotage

Christian Eedes (Winemag): "Grapes from two Helderberg blocks planted in 1976 and 1996 by earlier Bredell farmers. 30% stems intact, 30% destemmed and the rest direct pressed. Pretty aromatics including abundant floral perfume plus cranberry, raspberry and cherry. The palate shows pure fruit, zesty acidity and fine tannins. Poised, energetic and just so pleasurable – serve slightly chilled and drink all summer long.
92/100."

"Grapes from the Overberg. Subtle and inviting aromatics with a top note of blossom before pear, peach and citrus while the palate is light and fresh with a resolutely dry finish. Delicate and detailed, a charming wine. Alc: 12.96%."
- Christian Eedes, Winemag

In line with her other range this Sauvignon Blanc is from grapes grown in the Cape South Coast. The grapes are from the lowest altitude vines in the world at just 2.5m above sea level.

Vibrant and fresh notes of oyster shell, green apple, elderflower and subtle notes of grapefruit. A distinct minerality presence from this cooler climate as expected. A beautiful salinity runs through the wine with a youthfulness and vibrancy on the palate which builds and encapsulates the aromas, with lovely structure and tension.

Top-class Sauvignon from one of the coldest WOs in South Africa. Koen usually releases this wine with some age, and it makes for a super interesting take on South African Sauvignon Blanc - lovely blackcurrant, green fig and minerality.

"Always a wine that overdelivers in the glass, Koen Roose's Sauvignon Blanc eschews tutti frutti approachability in favour of a white that's direct, focused, subtle and stony. Tangy and slatey, with nettle, beeswax and citrus notes and good underlying extract."
Tim Atkin - 92/100

This Cabernet – the second vintage under our Die Hart (The Heart) label – is from the cool Walker Bay and was made by Niels and Alice Verburg of Luddite fame. It has a typical Cabernet Sauvignon palate of blackcurrant, herbs, and suprisingly (as there is 0% new oak), cedar. We asked Niels to create a wine that is quintessentially Cabernet Sauvignon, and he hasn't disappointed. Ex Animo means “from the heart” in Latin, we believe this expresses one of the most crucial elements in determining quality. We named this wine in honour of this credo.